Kings, Balducci’s Announce Executive Team Promotions

Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market announced the promotion of Stephen Palisi-Reynolds, CPA to vice president and controller of Kings and Balducci’s. In his new role, Stephen will also assume additional responsibilities for the Treasury function for the company. He will report to Jim Moriarty, executive vice president and CFO. “Stephen has consistently demonstrated that he is a collaborative, results-oriented business manager and we’re thrilled to expand his portfolio and elevate his role,” said Jim Moriarty. Stephen began his career with Kings in 2008 in the finance department as general accounting and financial systems manager. In 2015, he was promoted and appointed as the company’s controller responsible for all company internal and external financial reporting, corporate tax filings, as well accounts payable and accounts receivable.

The upscale grocer banners also announced the promotions of two marketing leaders and the addition of an award-winning art director to the marketing department. “At Kings and Balducci’s, we are looking to marketing to test and roll out new ways to attract and retain customers for both banners. Growing our marketing team and empowering them to develop innovative creative deployed with new technologies to reach new customers are the first steps, and I am thrilled to promote Karen Roche to the executive team to lead the charge,” said Judy Spires, chairman and CEO of Kings and Balducci’s. Karen Roche most recently senior director in the marketing department has been promoted to vice president of marketing and will continue to report to Stephen Corradini, chief merchandising & marketing officer. Karen brings a diverse background in retail marketing encompassing direct mail, email, website, social media initiatives as well as Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In her new role Karen will manage creative content, brand development, digital marketing, media and planning, budgeting and external agency team management. Laura Wallace has been promoted to director of marketing and will continue to report to Karen Roche. Laura has used her integrated marketing background to further develop both brands’ presence in digital, print, direct mail, and social media marketing. Prior to Kings, Laura was a Marketing Director at Food Network and Cooking Channel managing advertising partnerships and integrations. In her new role, Laura will lead holistic content planning and expand the digital reach and eCommerce opportunities for both banners. Don Morris joins the marketing department as the senior creative director and will report to Karen Roche. An accomplished storyteller versed in all media, Don Morris has launched and rebranded companies, designed three film festivals and numerous events, helped start-up restaurants, redesigned and launched many high-profile magazines, launched and rebranded websites, launched products, art directed books, and created successful marketing campaigns. Don’s clients include many of the top names in the publishing, culinary and broadcasting businesses including American Express, A&E Network, AARP, Bloomberg L.P., Cisco, Hearst Corporation, Little, Brown and Company, Nickelodeon, Scholastic.com, Shake Shack, Sundance, Time Inc., The Wall Street Journal, and Zappos.com

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